Alterable matrix



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ALTERABLE MATRIX 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 13, 1966 INVENTORS WARRENL. SCHIEBOLD JOHN C.

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l (1 4 TTORNEY Jan. 20, 1970 w. L. SCHIEBOLD ETAL 3,491,266

ALTERABLE MATRIX Filed June 13, 1966 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS WARRENL. SCHIEBOLD JOHN C. DONOHUE United States Patent 3,491,266 ALTERABLEMATRIX Warren L. Schiebold, Laurel, and John C. Donohue, Hanover, Md.,assignors, by mesne assignments, to the United States of America asrepresented by the Secretary of the Navy Filed June 13, 1966, Ser. No.557,872 Int. Cl. H02b 1/04, 9/00 U.S. Cl. 317-101 12 Claims ABSTRACT OFTHE DISCLOSURE An alterable diodematrix having a plurality of clampelements arranged in a network of rows and transverse columns carried ona base and a plurality of removable inserts which can be arranged in aladder-like configuration and which each comprise a backing sheet ofinsulating material receivable by a column of elements and a comb-likebus arranged thereon having a plurality of teeth spaced for selectiveelectrical registration with the clamp elements in a column. The clampelements for each row are interconnected through respective diodes to anoutput conductor.

This invention relates generally to electrical connectors includingpre-formed panel circuit arrangements and more particularly to analterable diode matrix adapted to be used in digital equipment andcharacterized by case of both fabrication and in-field programalteration.

Diode matrices have long been used to alternatively translate giveninputs into respective predetermined or programmed patterns ofconductingand non-conducting outputs and have usually consisted of anarray of a plurality of electrically-connected, plug-in, printed circuitboards, one for each input. The typical array, in addition to relativelylarge volume requirements, requires use of a supply of new, non-uniformcircuit boards to replace existing boards in the array when it isdesired that the ma trix program be changed or when a given board in thematrix is rendered unusable.

In response to the need for a matrix which may be quickly programmed inthe field, three-dimensional matrices were devised which includedremovable inserts for electrically connecting selected portions of thematrix circuitry. Some of the removable inserts are quite complex andare not adaptable to compact storage in that the means for elfecing thedesired electrical connections project from a lateral surface of theinsert, and, further, these inserts are subject to' the risk of becominguseless as replacements by reason that the projecting connection meansare easily subjected to unintentional breakage. Also, alteration of theinsert for achievin different matrix programming entails disassembly ofthe insert.

Other replaceable inserts such as the pin-type insert, while easily andcompactly stored, are not adapted for in-field alteration to efliect achange in the matrix program. Use thereof for replacement purposesinvolves the maintenance of an inventory of a large variety of such pinshaving different combinations of arrays of non-conducting and conductingelements for achieving a variety of selected electrical connectionsbetween various selected elements in the matrix board. Additionally, theknown alterable matrices, while functionally effective, incorporate alarge number of spaced-apart, printed circuit boards which occupy arelatively large volume.

The general purpose of this invention is to provide an improved,compact, simplified, alterable diode matrix which embraces all theadvantages of known alterable matrices and possesses none of theabove-described disadvantages. To attain this, the present inventioncontemplates the provision of a sturdy, removable insert including analterable, comb-like bus backed by a sheet of nonconducting material,selected teeth of which bus establish the desired electrical connectionof an input with selected outputs when the insert is operably positionedin a compatible input-output circuit board.

An object of the present invention is the provision of an improved diodematrix which is more easily fabricated and may be more quicklyprogrammed in the field than alterable diode matrices heretofore known.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and simplifiedremovable insert easily altered to efiect a selected matrix programmingfor a given input.

A further object of the invention is to provide uniform components forassembling diode matrices which have a variety of possible selectableprograms.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a standardizedinput-output circuit board which carries means for eliminating feedbackand which may be quickly programmed for specific input translations bythe insertion of appropriately altered, uniformly constructed re movableinserts.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sturdy, removableinsert for electrically connecting selected portions of a compatibleinput-output circuit board, which insert may be more compactly storedwith less risk of damage and be more easily and quickly altered in thefield for selected programming of a diode matrix than inserts heretoforeknown.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter becomemore fully apparent from the following description of the annexeddrawing which illustrates preferred embodiments and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a diode matrix according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of one removable insert from the diode matrix ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates in isometric an enlarged fragmentary view of thediode matrix of FIG. 1 having one programmed removable insert operablypositioned and another modified form of programmed, removable insertarranged for insertion;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view of another embodiment of a removableinsert programmed in a modified manner;

FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic view of a portion of the diode matrixof FIG 1; and

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of still another embodiment of theinvention including a frame assembly linking the removable inserts.

Referring now to the drawing, there is shown in FIG. 1 one embodiment ofa small, compact diode matrix 10 according to the invention. Forexample, a matrix for translating twentyone selected inputs intorespective selected patterns of sixteen conducting or non-conductingoutputs can be made according to the invention which has the dimensionof 2.7 x 2.0 x 0.25 inches or a volume of about 1.5 cubic inches.

Referring to FIG. 3', the diode matrix 10 includes an input-outputcircuit board 11 having a baseboard 12 of insulating material forsupporting a plurality of conductive output clamp elements 13 andconductive input clamp elements 14 suitably fixed to the board 12 andarranged in a network of parallel rows, one of which contains all theinput elements 14, and parallel transverse columns, there being oneinput element 14 in each column. The output clamp elements 13 and theinput clamp elements 14 in a given column are physically oriented andadapted to collectively receive a respective, programmed removableinsert 15.

The elements 13, 14 may be formed in a manner well known in theelectrical connector art from a pair of appropriately shaped, resilient,electrically-conductive ribbons 16, 17 which are fixed together as at18, the sides thereof including a bowed portion 19 and terminating inrespective splayed free ends 16a, 17a which are normally urged intoengagement with each other and are adapted to be spread apart toslidingly receive the removable insert 15. The ribbon 16 includes a tang20 which extends beyond the joined portion of the element at 18. Thetang 20 and joined portion of each of the elements 13, 14 have beeninserted through respective, appropriately shaped aperatures in thebaseboard 12, substantially as shown, and the elements 13, 14 may bemore firmly secured to the baseboard by twisting, as shown, the portionof the tang 20 which projects from the reverse side of the board 12.

The tangs 20 of the input elements 14 are electrically connected with anappropriate input conductor 21, while the tangs of the output elements13 are electrically connected through a microdiode 22 for inhibitingfeedback to an output conductor 23, a plurality of which correspondingin number to the number of rows of output clamp elements 13 may beprinted upon or fixed to the reverse side of the baseboard 12. Theoutput elements 13 which are arranged in a given row are connected tothe. same row output conductor 23.

The removable programmed inserts each include a rectangular backingsheet 24 of electrically insulating material, which sheet is optionallytapered along a bottom longitudinal edge as at 25 and may optionallycontain apertures 26 arranged at the ends thereof for a purpose to behereinafter explained. A comb-like bus 27 includes a longitudinalportion 28 and a plurality of selectively removable teeth 29 extendingnormal to said portion 28, which teeth 29 may include a transverselyextending groove 30 to facilitate selectable tooth removal or separationand which teeth 29 are spaced apart distances corresponding to thespacings between the clamp elements 13, 14 in a given column. The bus 27may be printed upon or suitably fixed in abutting relation to a lateralsurface of said backing sheet 24 Within the margins thereof so that theteeth 29 do not extend beyond the edge of the sheet 24. The modifiedremovable insert 15 includes a pair of similar comb-like buses 27symmetrically arranged on respective opposite sides of the backing sheet24.

The removable insert 15 may be programmed in accordance with the desiredpattern of conducting and nonconducting output conductors 23 byremoving, by separating from said transverse portion 28, or, as shown inFIG. 4, by wrapping with insulation tape 31 selected teeth 29 carried bythe insert 15 which correspond in positions to those of the desirednon-conducting row output conductors 23. The tapered edge 25 of theinsert 15 facilitates a forcing apart of the free ends 16a and 17a ofthe ribbons 16, 17 of the clamp elements 13, 14 in a given columnwhereby the input-output circuit board 11 may receive the insert 15. Theinsert 15 is laterally positioned so that the unremoved, unseparated, oruninsulated teeth 29 may be engaged by respective free ends 16a of theribbons 16 of the elements 13, 14 for forming electrical connectionsbetween said transverse portion 28 of said bus 27 and said ends 16a. Thebower portions 19 of the elements 13, 14 are suitably dimensioned tospace the ribbons 16, 17 from the transverse portion 28 of the bus 27 sothat the elements 13, 14 may engage the bus 27 for forming an electricalconnection therewith only through the teeth 29. The bottom edge of theinsert 15 may rest upon the upwardly and outwardly extending ribbons 16,17 without establishment of an electrical connection by reason of thevertical spacing of the transverse portion 28 of the bus 27 above thetapered bottom edge of the sheet 24 of the insert 15.

As shown in FIG. 5, an electrical input may be fed through a selectedinput conductor 21 to its respective input element 14 thence through thebus 27 of the respective insert 15 for that column to clamp elements 13which engage electrically conducting teeth 29 whereby is obtained forthat column a corresponding pattern of conducting and non-conductingoutput conductors 23.

Another embodiment of the diode matrix 10 is shown in FIG. 6 wherein theinserts 15 are threaded alternately with tubular spacers 32 upon rods 33extending through said spacers 32 and the slotted apertures 29 of saidinserts 15 to form a ladder-like configuration of removable inserts 15.Some of the teeth 29 are selectively removed from each of the inserts 15in accordance with the output pattern respectively desired therefor. Byappropriate positioning of the rods 33 the entire ladder of inserts 15may be mated with the input-output circuit board 11 to form theprogrammed diode matrix 10. Straps, not shown, or other means may beused to secure engagement of the ladder with the circuit board. 11.

Good electrical connections between the teeth 29 and the clamp elements13, 14 are assured by reason of the aforesaid normal propensity of thefree ends 16a and 17a to clamp the insert 15 therebetween and establisha firm physical engagement of the free ends 16a with respective teeth29. The modified insert 15' includes additional assurance that a goodelectrical contact be made in that both free end 16a and free end 17aare urged into engagement with respective teeth 29 for establishment ofelectrical contacts therebetween. The backing material 24 serves toprotect the teeth 29 from unintended breakage, while the bus bar 27 andthe backing strip 28 together impart sturdiness to the insert 15.

The above-described embodiments illustrate novel, removable inserts andimproved diode matrices both of which may be quickly and easilyfabricated and are well adapted for rapid alteration to effect matrixprogram changes in the field.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing disclosurerelates only to preferred embodiments of the invention and that numerousmodifications or alterati ns may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An alterable matrix comprising:

a base made of electrically insulating material;

a plurality of spaced-apart, electrically conductive clamp elementscarried on one side of said base and arranged in a network of rows andtransverse columns, each said clamp element in one row being adapted toreceive a respective electrical input signal;

a plurality of unidirectional current means each having an inputconductor electrically connected to respective elements in the remainingrows and having an output conductor, said output conductors of saidcurrent means in respective rows being electrically connected togetherand forming the outputs of said matrix; and

a plurality of inserts each removably received by all of said clampelements in each column and including:

a backing sheet of insulating materials; and

a comb-like bus made of an electrically conductive material carried bysaid sheet on one side and having a plurality of teeth disposed withinthe margins of said sheet in abutting relation thereto, said teeththereof being spaced apart for selective electrical registration withsaid clamp elements in said column.

2. An alterable matrix according to claim 1 wherein a portion of saidteeth carried by a said insert includes:

a plurality of transversely extending grooves respectively positionedbetween the portions of at least some of said teeth registered withcorresponding clamp elements and the remainder of said bus.

3. An alterable matrix according to claim 1 further comprising:

insulating means interposed between selected ones of said teeth andtheir respective registering clamp elements.

4. An alterable matrix according to claim 1 wherein said backing sheetsof said inserts are each perforated at two locations spaced from therespective bus thereof; and said matrix further comprises:

a pair of tubular spacers interposed between ad acent inserts andaxially aligned with corresponding perforation locations; and

rod means alternately threaded through said inserts and said spacers.

5. An alterable matrix according to claim 1 wherein each said insertfurther comprises:

a second comb-like bus identical to said first mentioned bus andsymmetrically carried on the reverse side of said backing sheet wherebycorresponding teeth of said buses are in electrical registration withthe same said clamp element.

6. An alterable matrix according to claim 1 wherein said unidirectionalcurrent means comprise a micro-diode.

7. An alterable matrix according to claim 6 wherein a portion of saidteeth carried by a said insert includes:

a plurality of transversely extending grooves respectively positionedbetween the portions of at least some of said teeth registered withcorresponding clamp elements and the remainder of said bus.

8. An alterable matrix according to claim 7 wherein the said backingsheets of said inserts are each perforated at two locations spaced fromthe respective bus thereof; and said matrix further comprises:

a pair of tubular spacers interposed between adjacent inserts andaxially aligned with corresponding perforation locations; and

rod means alternately threaded through said inserts and said spacers.

9. An alterable matrix according to claim 6 further comprising:

insulating means interposed between selected of said teeth and theirrespective registering conductor elements.

10. An alterable matrix according to claim 9 wherein the said backingsheets of said inserts are each perforated at two locations; and saidmatrix further comprises:

a pair of tubular spacers interposed between adjacent inserts andaxially aligned with corresponding perforation locations; and

rod means alternately threaded through said inserts and said spacers.

11. An alterable insert adapted to be removably received by aninput-output circuit board having a plurality of clamp elements arrangedin a network of rows and transverse columns, said insert comprising:

a backing sheet of insulating material;

a comb-like bus of an electrically conducting material carried by saidsheet on one side and having a plurality of teeth disposed within themargins of said sheet in abutting relation thereto, said teeth thereofbeing spaced apart for selective electrical registry with clamp elementsof a column; and

insulating means carried upon selected teeth of said bus preventingestablishment of an electrical connection upon registry of said selectedteeth with respective clamp elements.

12. An alterable matrix insert ladder adapted to be removably receivedby clamp elements of an input-output circuit board having a plurality ofspaced-apart clamp elements arranged in rows and transverse columns,said insert comprising:

a plurality of backing sheets of insulating material equal in number tothe number of columns of clamp elements and spaced apart for removablereception by respective ones of the columns of clamp elements, each saidbacking sheet having perforations at two locations;

a plurality of comb-like buses, each made of an electrically conductingmaterial carried by a respective said sheet on one side thereof spacedfrom said perforation locations and each bus having a plurality of teethdisposed within the margins of said respective sheet in abuttingrelation thereto, the said teeth thereof being spaced apart forselective electrical registry with clamp elements of a respectivecolumn;

a pair of tubular spacers interposed between adjacent inserts andaxially aligned with corresponding perforation locations; and

rod means alternately threaded through said inserts and said spacers.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,962,801 12/1960 Cass.

3,122,996 3/1964 Heatwole l7468.5 XR 3,128,332 4/1964 Burkig et al.l7468.5 3,246,208 4/1966 LeX et al.

ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner I. R. SCOTT, Assistant Examiner Us.c1. X.R.

